Posted by Hey everyone! This post is for those who would like to learn more about Past Perfect. If you have difficulties in memorizing some irregular verbs in the past participle, take a look at this list once in a while.
FORM
[ had + past participle ]
Examples:
Aff: I had studied English before you came to Canada.
Q: Had she been married before she met John?
Neg: They had not finished their homework when the class started.
USE 1 Actions and states before a moment in the past
I’d had breakfast a few minutes before you called me.
USE 2 Finished actions and states where the important thing is the result at a moment in the past
We were happy because we’d all passed the test.
We often use the Past Perfect with these words and phrases:
* by – I’d finished my assignment by 10pm.
* by the time – By the time I got to work, the meeting had already started.
* before – The teacher had explained all the exercises before the students started their homework.
* after – I left after I’d finished the test.
* just – Julie had just finished the test when the bell rang.
* when – I left when I’d finished the test.
WATCH OUT!
Whether we use simple past or past perfect can change the meaning of a sentence. The first action is always the one in Past Perfect:
The lesson started when I arrived. (I arrived and then the lesson started)
The lesson had started when I arrived. (The lesson started and then I arrived)
For more practice, click on the links below:
Practice Languages Online 